Russian President Vladimir Putin and his wife, Lyudmila, have announced today that they have separated and their marriage is over.
The 60-year-old and his 55-year-old wife broke the news of the end of the 29-year marriage on television.
Asked on Rossiya-24 television about longstanding rumours that they no longer lived together, the 60-year-old Putin said: 'That is true.'
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Russia's President Vladimir Putin and his wife Lyudmila share a smile in happier times in 2008

Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and his wife Lyudmila, seen in March last year

Putin announces divorce

Lyudmila Putin said it had been a 'our common decision. And our marriage is over due to the fact that we barely see each other.'
Asked whether they were divorced, Lyudmila said it was a 'civilised divorce'.